Perceptions of Computer-Supported Project Work Classroom Learning Environments

Title: Singapore Students' and Teachers' Perceptions of Computer-Supported Project Work Classroom Learning Environments

Authors: Angela F.L. Wong, Choon-Lang Quek, Shanti Divaharan, Woon-Chia Liu, Jarina Peer, and Michael D.Williams

Just read through a paper:

The paper presents a paradigm shift from a teacher-centred teaching and learning to a student-centred one in local (Singapore) schools. To help students feel a greater sense of achievement studying in a computer-supported learning environment, teachers may need to provide more support by facilitating their online sessions more frequently; probing, encouraging, and extending their thinking rather than just answering their queries. Without this support, students may feel lost and therefore perceive that they have not benefited much from learning in such an environment.

Reflections:

Now the question is: Are our teachers ready to move from the age of 'chalk and talk' to 'Smart board'?

My point of views are:

- Teachers need to be trained in using the softwares and hardwares.

- Teachers need to prepare the materials that can be uploaded for students learning.

- Teachers have carefully planned through the teaching.

- Availability of working computers.

- Students are to be interested in technology.

- Students need to be trained on using the equipment.

But it is worth all the troubles to engage our students in learning. Nowadays, students whom some see as being born with computers in their hands, the question has become "Does the youth need more than just good teaching?" When one observes classrooms lessons, it is clear that students have changed over the years while in many countries, the way lessons are taught has not changed.

Technology plays a part in teaching and learning by creating an effective learning environment.

What do you think? Maybe you can think about it.